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Callahan’s Explosion
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Callahan’s Explosion

Specialization power building program. Catered towards advanced lifters and/or enhanced lifters with a high volume tolerance.

John Pierce Callahan
John Pierce Callahan· Oct 2025
iOS & Android

Overview

Length
4 weeks
Days / week
6 days
Level
Advanced
Goal
Strength, Athletics
Equipment
Full Gym
Session length
90 min
This is a short ultra intense Powerbuilding micro cycle. It’s a bench press specialization program combined with an emphasis on hypertrophy for the biceps and shoulders. It should not be run for more than 4 weeks without a de load or progress will stall. Bench press follows a simple progression from weeks 1-4. The program structure is derived from Smolov Jr; the loads have been slightly reduced for fatigue management, and an emphasis on isolation movements like the chest press has been added in exchange for some bench volume. The Squat and Deadlift are trained once weekly on a simple progression with one heavy single for specificity. Accessory work keep lower body hypertrophy above MEV. Bicep and Side Deltoid isolation are brought to the extreme bordering MRV, as the secondary focus of this program is rapid aesthetic improvement in addition to the bench press strength focus.

Who it's for

Advanced athletes looking to push past plateaus
Athletes focused on maximal strength
Athletes who can train 6 days per week
Athletes with access to a full gym (barbells, dumbbells, cables, and machines)

Muscle engagement

Front
Back
Chest
15.4%
Front Delts
13.9%
Middle Delts
12.1%
Biceps
11.6%
Triceps
10.1%
Quadriceps
7.3%
Upper Back
6.1%
Glutes
4.8%
Hamstrings
4.6%
Lats
4.4%
Rear Delts
4.4%
Forearms
1.3%
Abs
1.3%
Lower Back
1.3%
Adductors
1.3%
Week 1 Workouts
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Squat (Barbell)11 rep86%
55 reps75%
2Deadlift (Barbell)11 rep86%
33 reps70%
3Hack Squat210 reps@9.5
4Leg Curl210 reps@10
5Leg Extension210 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)46 reps65%
2Chest Press (Machine)18 reps@9.5
18 reps@10
3Preacher Curl (EZ Bar)115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
4Bayesian Curl115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
5Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
6Lateral Raise (Cable)115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
7Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)45 reps70%
2Tricep Rope Push Down (Cable)112 reps@9.5
112 reps@10
3Pec Deck (Machine)115 reps@9.5
115 reps@10
4Chest Supported Row (Machine)210 reps@9.5
110 reps@10
5Lat Pulldown110 reps@9.5
110 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bayesian Curl112 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
2Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)112 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
3Preacher Curl (Barbell)112 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
4Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)212 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
5Lateral Raise (Cable)212 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
6Upright Row (Cable)112 reps@8.5
112 reps@10
7Rear Delt Fly (Machine)115 reps@8.5
115 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)63 reps78.5%
2Pec Deck (Machine)112 reps@9
112 reps@10
3Tricep Pushdown (Cable)112 reps@9
112 reps@10
4Lateral Raise (Cable)115 reps@9
115 reps@10
5Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)115 reps@9
115 reps@10
#ExerciseSetsRepsLoad
1Bench Press (Barbell)64 reps75%
2Chest Press (Machine)110 reps@9
110 reps@10
3Bayesian Curl18 reps@9
18 reps@10
4Bicep Curl (Cable)18 reps@9
18 reps@10
5Hammer Curl (Dumbbell)18 reps@9
18 reps@10
6Chest Supported Row (Machine)110 reps@9
110 reps@10
7Lat Pulldown110 reps@9
110 reps@10
8Rear Delt Fly (Machine)115 reps@9
115 reps@10
9Lateral Raise (Cable)210 reps@9
110 reps@10
10Lateral Raise (Dumbbell)210 reps@9
110 reps@10

Weeks 2–4 are in the app

Download Boostcamp to follow the full program with auto-progression and built-in coaching notes.

Common questions

Yes, Callahan’s Explosion is completely free to follow on Boostcamp. Download the app on iOS or Android, find the program, and start your first workout immediately. All 4 weeks are fully unlocked.

This program is built around a full gym. Make sure you have consistent access before starting, since the progression model assumes you can perform the same movements week over week.

Each session typically takes around 90 minutes to complete. That estimate covers your working sets but doesn't account for warm-up or rest between sets, so budget a little extra time when you're first learning the movements.

Callahan’s Explosion is structured around 6 training days per week, with rest days built in to allow for recovery. The Boostcamp app lets you reschedule sessions if your week doesn't go to plan.

The program runs for 4 weeks. The structure is designed so that each week builds on the last, with weights, volume, or intensity progressively increasing as you go.

Callahan’s Explosion is available inside the Boostcamp app, free on iOS and Android. Once you download the app, you can search for the program by name. The app tracks all your sets and weights automatically, so you always know exactly what to do next session.

Get started

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